Canvas has a 500MB file size limit for uploading videos to a course. Often, especially when dealing with mobile recordings which often record in High Definition, video recordings can exceed this size limit and will need to be "compressed" before they can be submitted.

While there are a number of ways this can be done, Instructional Technology recommends using an open source (meaning free to use) program called HandBrake (download here), which is compatible with both Mac OS and Windows.

HandBrake load screen.

After you have downloaded and installed HandBrake, run the program.

On the initial screen you will be prompted to load a source file (this is the video file that you have already recorded).

If you have the folder with your recorded file open, you can drag the file over the program and drop it, but if you don't, use the "Browse" feature in HandBrake to load your video file.

The easiest method for compressing your loaded video file is to use HandBrake's "Presets" to do the bulk of the work for you. Simply click on the "Presets" drop-down menu, navigate to "Web" and then select "Vimeo YouTube 720p30." (This will create a web-optimized high definition video.)

Screenshot of HandBrake's Presets menu.

At the bottom of the window you will see a "Save As" box to the right of which is a "Browse" button. Click "Browse," select the folder you want HandBrake to save your new file into, type in the name you want your new file to have, and click "Save."

Finally, double-check that "MP4" is the selected format (located just below the Presets drop-down menu), and then click "Start Encode" at the top of the program. Once HandBrake finishes (you can track the encoding progress using the bar on the bottom left of the program window), open the folder you saved your new file into and preview the video file.

If using the settings listed in this tutorial your file should now be small enough to submit to Canvas.

NOTE - For a more detailed set of publisher instructions that detail the full range of HandBrake's various features and settings, check out the HandBrake Documentation.

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